An investigation by the Guardian, Repórter Brasil and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has revealed how Brazil’s vast beef sector continues to drive deforestation in the Amazon. The probe found cattle grazing on land embargoed by the government for illegal deforestation, with cows being supplied to JBS, the world’s largest meatpacking company.
The Lagoa do Triunfo farm, owned by AgroSB Agropecuária SA (known as Santa Bárbara), is located in an environmentally protected area in Pará state. Despite being embargoed since 2010 for illegal deforestation, the farm has continued to raise cattle on the restricted land. Government records show at least 12 areas on the farm were embargoed between 2010 and 2013, with fines exceeding $18 million (£14 million).
AgroSB supplies cattle to JBS, which has faced previous scandals. In 2017, JBS was fined $7.7 million for buying cattle from embargoed farms, including another AgroSB property. The company pledged to stop such purchases. JBS’s parent company also became embroiled in a bribery scandal involving former President Michel Temer.
NGO Trase has revealed that international demand for beef is driving thousands of hectares of Amazon deforestation annually. AgroSB, owned by the Opportunity group, has denied allegations of deforestation, claiming it reclaims degraded land. However, investigators found cows grazing on embargoed areas, with a farm worker confirming cattle were allowed in restricted zones.
The investigation highlights the ongoing threat to the Amazon rainforest from global meat consumption, as Brazil remains a leading exporter of beef to markets worldwide.
